Brazil v Ivory Coast: match preview

Group G
Brazil v Ivory Coast
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: Sun June 20, 7.30pm BST

Just 15 days after undergoing surgery on a broken arm, Didier Drogba is set to start for the Ivory Coast and that would be a huge boost for a side that has already taken a point off Portugal.
The Chelsea striker made a difference when he came on late in the 0-0 draw and Brazil, having been stretched by North Korea, will be aware of his threat in this most unpredictable of World Cups.
Brazil could keep faith with the side that won 2-1 against North Korea ahead of the final game, against Portugal


Touchline duel
Dunga v Sven Goran Eriksson: A clash of styles, both in tactics and dress sense.
Let us hope the Brazilian leaves behind his fisherman’s jumper and black overcoat, because Eriksson just looks stylish, whoever he coaches.
Erikson reached the quarter-finals with England; this time his task is greater but he will have the confidence to out-think Dunga.
Talking tactics
Brazil have scored in 23 consecutive group matches at the World Cup and will want to maintain that record.
The Ivory Coast improved considerably when Didier Drogba came on against Portugal but, at the other end, Boubacar Barry, Ivory Coast’s agile goalkeeper, can expect a busy 90 minutes.
Key clash
Julio Cesar v Didier Drogba: In Julio Cesar, Brazil boast the best goalkeeper at the finals, though North Korea proved he is not unbeatable.
Drogba was on firer for Chelsea and his country before breaking his arm in a friendly.
But he proved he has recovered with a late cameo role against Portugal and, on his side, he can score against any goalkeeper in the world.
What they say
Dunga: "I believe the first match is always trying, there was a lot of nervousness and anxiety out there. We all want to score and not concede any goals. I am not entirely happy with the result, we weren't passing as quickly as I would have liked. But the spirit of these players is strong and they are willing to learn."
Sven-Goran Eriksson: "It is going to be a difficult game, but looking at what we did against Portugal, we are capable of creating a surprise against Brazil."
Probable teams
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos; Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo; Elano, Kaka, Robinho; Luis Fabiano.
Ivory Coast (4-1-2-3): Barry; Demel, K Toure, Zokora, Tiene; Y Toure; Eboue, Tiote; Kalou, Drogba, Gervinho.
Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France).
Previous meetings
None
Fact: Brazil have faced African opposition on five previous occasions in the finals, winning every one and scoring 13 goals without reply.
Prediction: Even with Didier Drogba, Brazil will be too strong for the Ivory Coast. Straight win for the five-time champions.